I found matching door knobs at charsletonhardwareco.com . They currently have a 25% sale, and they are very pleasant to deal with.

Posted by: RG at November 10, 2009 3:54 PM in response to Brass Door Hardware Needed

Try the store on Myrtle at Franklin. on the north side of Myrtle ( cannot remember the name). They charge per fin, very inexpensively. We bought 2 radiators to match the rest of our rads, and they have been working great.

Posted by: RG at October 5, 2009 10:39 PM in response to ISO entry way radiator

Hi Eli,
Welcome to the neighborood. We live one block over on Gates, bought our B'stone the same time as you did, and had the same misconception about how much energy, time and money a gut restoration would take. Manny Lassalle took me over to your house at times in order to cheer me up when I thought we made the biggest mistake ever when we embarked on this endeavor. We followed your example of wood stripping, radiator blasting, fireplace restoring etc. so, thank you.
Our house's style is more traditional than yours, but I like your final product, congratulations.
One thing you did that I regret not doing is soundproofing the bedrooms. It aes only after we moved in that we realized we needed it.
When I recover from the ordeal (and win the lottery), I'll get in touch with you, if you don't mind, to get your opinion on that issue.
In the end, we absolutely love our house and think it was worth the effort. Financially, it will take eons to break even.
Enjoy your house,
Ruth

Posted by: RG at August 19, 2009 7:02 AM in response to Gut Reno on Gates

Forgot to add - we bought crushed stones and stonedust from Kings Materials in Brooklyn, very inexpensively. It's included in my cost estimate in my previous post.

Posted by: RG at August 6, 2009 10:15 AM in response to Making a Patio

I agree that it is hard work, especially digging and bagging the soil, but the savings are substantial, so it's sweat equity vs. expensive professional work. We bought random size PA-Bluestone 1 1/2 inch thick from the Stone Center in Bridgeport N.J for $4 per sf. They have all kind of stones and finishes which they show on their website under "pattern Flagstone" (we got the natural cleft).
They get you with the delivery charge.
Your estimate of $1000 would be about right if you need delivery, otherwise I would guess about $600.
The work is tough but the savings are great and the outcome is beautiful. Good luck

Posted by: RG at August 6, 2009 9:56 AM in response to Making a Patio

We used East End Woodstrippers (718 783-4112) and were very pleased with the results. We sent them ALL our doors, some of which were in such bad shape and looked so sad, that our GC told us to get rid of them. With some TLC and a fresh coat of paint, they look amazing. We also sent 20 books of shutters which also came back looking great. We stained and polyed them and have not had any separation at the joints, or other horror stories.

Posted by: RG at May 29, 2009 1:31 PM in response to Recs for paint strippers

Try Charlestonhardwareco.com . They have both antique and reproduction selections, one of which could possibly match your original knobs.

Posted by: RG at May 7, 2009 9:19 PM in response to Door Knob Servicing 4 Brwstn Apt

When we restored our brownstone I tried to read a variety of sources, but found they didn't address brownstones specifically, and therefore were irrelevant to me. Brownstones have their own set of troubles. Search the archives on this site, read referals (always get more than one) and trust your gut. If you don't have to do major work right away- don't, and do the renovations over time.
If you have to do a gut renovation asap (like we did), find a GC you like and trust. You'll get educated along the way. While we were going through the renovation I said that had I known how much time and money this was going to cost, I wouldn't have done it. Now, I'm happy we did. The one thing I regret not doing is noise insulation between us and the adjacent house, this might be something you want to research.
Good luck.

Posted by: RG at April 13, 2009 9:10 PM in response to Self-educating- where to begin?

When we restored our brownstone I tried to read a variety of sources, but found they didn't address brownstones specifically, and therefore were irrelevant to me. Brownstones have their own set of troubles. Search the archives on this site, read referals (always get more than one) and trust your gut. If you don't have to do major work right away- don't, and do the renovations over time.
If you have to do a gut renovation asap (like we did), find a GC you like and trust. You'll get educated along the way. While we were going through the renovation I said that had I known how much time and money this was going to cost, I wouldn't have done it. Now, I'm happy we did. The one thing I regret not doing is noise insulation between us and the adjacent house, this might be something you want to research.
Good luck.

Posted by: RG at April 13, 2009 9:10 PM in response to Self-educating- where to begin?

It depends how involved you want your architect to be.
We did a major renovation (moved all bathrooms and kitchens), but had the architect only draw up the plans and get it passed at the DOB. Beyond that, he was not involved, because we couldn't afford it. We paid him a flat fee.
Luckily, we had a great GC and we were at the site daily, so there was no danger of things getting out of hand.
Good luck.

Posted by: RG at April 6, 2009 1:46 PM in response to Architect's fee?

We did a gut renovation in a four story brownstone (double duplex)and put in 4 A/C compressors and handlers, one per floor. We have two floors that are exclusively bedrooms and two that are living/dining etc. We turn on the A/C on the bedroom floor about an hour before bedtime, turn it off in the morning, and vice versa on the living/kitchen floor. Because heat rises, the demand on the A/C system varies from floor to floor, and it would be wasteful (energy-wise) to cool two floors simultaneously. Also, I think (hope) that the A/C units will last longer as each is used only half a day. We discussed having each floor on a different zone, but I'm not sure about the efficiency of that system. In your case, I would definitely have the garden and top floors on separate systems (the garden floor doesn't need as much cooling, the top floor is an oven),
and maybe combine the 2nd and 3rd floors into one unit with separate zones. Talk to Dmitri at Coolco for a second opinion.

Posted by: RG at March 5, 2009 9:00 AM in response to how many zones for central A/C?

Try Restoration Hardware. They have the whole range from modern to old-fashioned, and it'll be easier to choose when you have the whole spectrum in front of you. I don't think there is a right or wrong, it boils down to your taste. Also, for inspiration, go to a Waterworks showroom. They have the most gorgeous hardware, but their prices are outrageous. Still, it'll help you figure out what style you like. Good luck.

Posted by: RG at March 3, 2009 12:18 AM in response to Bathroom Design Help

Instead of 4 bifold doors, why don't you look for two doors 36x92? That's what I did for my kitchen pantry and I like the openness of this set-up. You can buy solid wood doors at Eddie's for basically no money, spend $200 per door on stripping, and the result is quite surprising.

Posted by: RG at February 20, 2009 7:18 PM in response to Pantry Doors

One of our Summer covers was heavily painted and we had Manny strip it to the bare metal. I use WD-40 once in a while and it looks amazing. The paint on your cover looks sad, but the cover itself might look fine if you strip it. Try that remedy before you replace your covers, you may like them after all. Good luck.

Posted by: RG at February 16, 2009 1:11 PM in response to Source for fireplace covers

Once again, try Eddie on Green at Grand. He has had some magnificent arched Brownstone doors in the past, and if he has none now, he will give you an idea of if, or when he might. Personally, I'd rather wait for original doors, (and spend the money to restore them), than buy new ones - they just don't look right on a brownstone.

Posted by: RG at February 4, 2009 9:08 PM in response to Cheap but Good-Looking Doors?

We tried to save everything salvageable. We had 6-panel original doors which the contractor told us to trash. However, we had them stripped, sanded, holes fixed, painted, and they look like a million bucks. We also found
12 four-panel doors at Eddie's which we used as closet doors, and although they don't look as good as the originals, they are a thousand times better than hollow-core doors. We also "cooked" all the hardware (including hinges) with baking soda, and the effect is stunning.
Same with door molding - they were stripped and re-painted, and although they are full of dings, they look great because they suit the house.
By the way, 1899 is a generic date that the DOB assigned to a large part of Brooklyn because original documents were lost in a fire. Check info on your house in the Brooklyn Eagle, it may give you an idea about true age of your house. Good luck

Posted by: RG at January 22, 2009 7:16 PM in response to Restoration vs. Renovation?

OP here. Picture did not come up. I'll try again

Posted by: RG at November 18, 2008 12:25 PM in response to Interior shutter latches

Congratulations Brownstoner!
The site has been a great resource for us when we gut- renovated our brownstone in Bed-Stuy. We learned a lot from the discussions of other readers and used quite a few of the recommended professionals. You are providing an invaluable service, plus a lot of fun.
Like MM said, I spend far too much time on this site, so I suppose I'm addicted.
Thanks
RG

Posted by: RG at October 13, 2008 5:55 PM in response to Closing Bell: Brownstoner Turns 4

These doors look gorgeous! I would hire a first rate carpenter to fix up and refinish them. I'm not sure that you would find salvaged doors in better shape AND perfect fit. Try Eddie (on Green and Grand) to see if he has anything to your liking. He may also be able to tell you whom to hire.

Posted by: RG at May 15, 2008 3:10 PM in response to Looking for Front Doors

Try eastendwoodstrippers.com (718 783-4112) .They stripped 23 doors and 20 shutters for us, all with 150 years worth of paint layers, and they came back looking great.
Be careful sanding old paint because you then spread lead dust everywhere.
Good luck.

Posted by: RG at April 18, 2008 10:01 AM in response to Where to have doors stripped?

The gorgeous building on the NW corner of Bedford and Gates is marked for demolition (heard from the construction crew). I hope they got it wrong- how can such a beauty be torn down?
Where is the Landmark Commission when you need it?

Posted by: RG at February 19, 2008 8:24 PM in response to Bedford Ave / Development?

Agree with 7:28- go for a classic renovation of the kitchen now rather than later. You may as well enjoy it for a few years before you sell.
Also, if you do a classic bathroom renovation (Victorian, typical white or black and white), it will not go out of style in ten years, after all it is Victorian...
Both kitchen and bath renovations are less expensive if you keep the original location of the fixtures.
Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your house.

Posted by: RG at January 8, 2008 9:31 PM in response to Where to Start with Renovations

A tip from my contractor - when the plumbing is done, BEFORE the dry-walls go up, take pictures of these unexciting pipes, because if you ever have to get to them AFTER the renovation is finished, it will be really nice to know where the pipes are.

Posted by: RG at September 30, 2007 11:25 AM in response to Demo Damage

We used Johann Grobler (groblerarchitects.com)as the architect for a gut renovation of a brownstone. He listened to our requests and came up with a great plan. We paid a fee to get the plans approved by the DOB (rather than a percentage to oversee the whole project), and we are thrilled with the results. Best of all, he is a real gentleman in the old-fashioned sense of the word.

Posted by: RG at September 27, 2007 8:22 PM in response to Architect recommendations

I recently bought two used radiators at 653 Myrtle (between Bedford & Franklin). The price was $5 per section, so I wouldn't bother to fix an old leaky one.
Good luck.

Posted by: RG at September 7, 2007 5:31 AM in response to Radiator: replace or repair

Retro bethrooms are now in vogue, so you are lucky as far as choice and availability. Look at waterworks.com and stthomascreations.com for inspiration. Waterworks is very expensive, but you can recreate the look with much cheaper fixtures. You mentioned that your bathroom is tiny - I would go with a pedestal sink over a vanity because it gives you more floor space (and therefore, the feel of a larger room), and I would stick to white because it never goes out of style. Brownstoners love subway tile, although, personally, I'm not convinced. However, you can find it everywhere, at all prices, depending on complexity.
Good luck.

Posted by: RG at August 25, 2007 12:54 AM in response to First time renovating bathroom- What inspires you in the design process??

I used Manny Lasalle (sorry, I don't have his number). He stipped paint off a gorgeous slate fireplace, dismantled it and moved it to a different room without a scratch.
He then bricked up the opening in the old location. Manny also stripprd a wrought iron summer screen for us and it looks like a million bucks.

Posted by: RG at August 16, 2007 5:41 AM in response to Help with Restoration

I got good results from D Lang when I bought in Park Slope..
www.drewlang.com
30 Vessey St. 11th Fl.
NYC.. 213-233-9187
dl@drewlang.com

Myrnett..

Posted by: myrnett at April 7, 2009 9:14 PM in response to Architect's fee?

When we restored our brownstone I tried to read a variety of sources, but found they didn't address brownstones specifically, and therefore were irrelevant to me. Brownstones have their own set of troubles. Search the archives on this site, read referals (always get more than one) and trust your gut. If you don't have to do major work right away- don't, and do the renovations over time.
If you have to do a gut renovation asap (like we did), find a GC you like and trust. You'll get educated along the way. While we were going through the renovation I said that had I known how much time and money this was going to cost, I wouldn't have done it. Now, I'm happy we did. The one thing I regret not doing is noise insulation between us and the adjacent house, this might be something you want to research.
Good luck.

Posted by: RG at April 13, 2009 9:10 PM in response to Self-educating- where to begin?

I think books are over-rated as a learning tool for home repair, and you're talking to a book collector. Hands-on with a contractor who will let you help, or a handy friend, is much better. Don't underplay youtube, there are all kinds of home improvement vids there, and I think videos are better than books as a educational tool.

Posted by: denton at April 14, 2009 6:57 AM in response to Self-educating- where to begin?

Thanks a mil everyone, these are all great suggestions. I never would have thought of youtube too.

Posted by: hotpinksharpie at April 14, 2009 10:38 AM in response to Self-educating- where to begin?

One more thought -- I found that, for the most part, where things went wrong it was for lack of forethought, oversight or coordination. The issue was never about the right way to install plumbing or put up a wall or preserve a fireplace. Rather, it was about coordination -- making sure you are thinking about light switches when you are deciding on doorswings, or the demands of central AC while you are configuring closets, choosing moldings and bidding out electrical work, or the impact of removing walls on adjacent walls with original details, etc. Every old brownstone job is different and needs to be organized in a slightly different way and seemingly unrelated issues are often tied together in suprising ways. Make sure you have someone on the job -- architect, GC, designer etc. -- who can keep the big picture in mind with the details who is regularly at the site and who can tee up the issues and decisions in a well-coordinated and timely way for you. And do not be afraid to "need to think" about a decision and check in here with the archives or a forum post.

Posted by: slopefarm at April 14, 2009 11:28 AM in response to Self-educating- where to begin?

Completely agree with slopefarm that coordination is crucial. You must have a GC who can organize the subs -- otherwise you'll end up paying the price.

Others are correct about hands-on experience but books can help. I also like the George Nash book mentioned by the first poster. Another good book is Bob Vila's Complete Guide to Remodeling Your Home -- now out of print but used copies are available online for very little. It's not a how-to-book but it's great at walking you through the process and pointing out many of the pitfalls of renovating. I'm no fan of Bob Vila btw but I did find this book very useful.

Creating a New Old House by Russell Versaci isn't about renovating but it's a nice resource (with many pretty pictures) if you need to put back period features that've been removed.

Often mentioned on this site is Charles Lockwood's Bricks and Brownstones. Pricey and focused on the history of NY rowhouses and brownstones not on practical details, but offers fascinating context.

Two more resources: i) Check out the recent This Old House Prospect Heights project. Not sure if the programs are available on demand but I daresay they will re-air forever on PBS. The TOH website has descriptions of each episode + (very useful this) the suppliers and tradespeople used. ii) Consider getting a short-term subscription to the Fine Homebuilding website where all their articles (current and old) are available. While FH doesn't focus specifically on old houses, their articles are very good. I recently found a great piece that explained everything I needed to know about recirculating pumps for instant hot water.

Good luck!

Posted by: grand army at April 14, 2009 6:58 PM in response to Self-educating- where to begin?

I highly recommend the NHS home maintenance course with Mark. It really is fantastic - in fact, I am going tonight.

http://www.nhsnyc.org/content/contact/..%5Ccalendar%5Chmaint_ef.html

Also, get Taunton's fine homebuilding magazine. It is pretty hardcore. You can get online subscription as well / instead. It allows you to access all their 'how to' articles. They do things properly.

Posted by: Frudo at April 15, 2009 11:23 AM in response to Self-educating- where to begin?

You also may want to look into the Yestermorrow design/build school in vermont. they have quite a few courses on home design and renovation with an emphasis on hands-on learning. it is a small investment in time and money, but the experience and information gained is invaluable.

Posted by: kerf181 at April 15, 2009 12:39 PM in response to Self-educating- where to begin?

I just used Park Slope Paint Strippers for 2 doors and they did a good job and fast too. Had them back within a week. Mine were only single panel, but all the paint is gone and they only need very minimal sanding. You can find a few other recs for them here on the forum.

Posted by: ald at May 29, 2009 1:34 PM in response to Recs for paint strippers

Forgot to add - we bought crushed stones and stonedust from Kings Materials in Brooklyn, very inexpensively. It's included in my cost estimate in my previous post.

Posted by: RG at August 6, 2009 10:15 AM in response to Making a Patio